Number 10... the Leafs. Brian Burke has managed to do wonders through trades to bring the Leafs up to where they are in comparison to a year ago. The depth that is now evident is further allowing the scouting staff to take risks, as was evident this year with picks like Josh Leivo. Hopefully it pays off one day for the fans of Blue and White.
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Without further adieu...
1.
Nazem Kadri, Left Wing/Center
Toronto Marlies, AHL
7th Overall, 2009, 20 years old
6’0, 185 lbs
I’m sure many of you “Nasty Naz” by now. A playmaker by definition, Kadri shows soft passing, high level vision and some of the softest hands you’ll see. He’s a slick skater, in need of some leg and core strength build up for the pro game, with some speed. While his offensive game is more conducive to a center, he doesn’t have the strength nor defensive game to be the #1 Center that Toronto so desperately needs.
Upside: 1St Line Winger/2nd Line Center
NHL Comparable? Mike Ribeiro
2.
Joe Colborne, Center
Toronto Marlies, AHL
16th Overall, 2008, 21 years old
6’5, 218 lbs
The product of the Tomas Kaberle trade, Colborne comes to Leafs Nation with high expectations for the tall pivot. With the size and reach needed down the middle, to go with a long stride and good acceleration, Colborne should be an NHL’er, in some capacity. He’s shown very soft hands for a big boy, and has a quick release to his shot. He’s still in need of some strength, but with his size, he can dominate along the boards and in the slot, and add goal scoring to his resume, though he’s been more of a playmaker to date.
Upside: 1B Center
NHL Comparable? Mats Sundin-lite
3.
Jake Gardiner, Defense
Toronto Marlies, AHL
17th Overall, 2008, 21 years old
6’2, 184 lbs
His Wisconsin native has a calling card; his skating. Speed, acceleration and explosiveness highlight an effortless looking stride and fluidity on the ice that eerily reminds some of Scott Neidermeyer and Duncan Keith. Though that’s not to say he’ll be as good as either. This offensive blueliner can move the puck with his skating, and create offense on the rush as a fourth forward (he’s a converted forward). He has crisp passing, and an active stick when defending. He’ll use his head mostly on the defensive end of things.
Upside: 2-4 Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Jay Bouwmeester
4.
Jesse Blacker, Defense
Owen Sound Attack, OHL
58th Overall, 2009, 20 years old
6’2, 195 lbs
Another offensive defenseman for the Leafs pipeline, Blacker is a surprising riser in comparison to his selection in the late second round, having been buried on a deep Windsor team. A tremendous skater (just a step below Gardiner’s), Blacker moves the puck well with crisp passing. He has a bomb from the point, and has a known desire to stepping up physically to make the big hit. At times he gets a little lost in the play when trying to do too much, but has learned to let it come to him. His defensive presence is good, but he’ll need to gain experience on that side of the puck.
Upside: Top Four Two-Way Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Kevin Bieksa
5.
Greg McKegg, Center/Wing
Erie Otters, OHL
62nd Overall, 2010, 19 years old
6,0, 195 lbs
A once highly touted pick in the OHL, McKegg saw his stock fall in the NHL Draft after a knee injury hampered his skating. While he’s not the fastest skater, he’s elusive and able to sneak behind defensemen into tight scoring areas. An offensive minded kid, who excels on the man advantage, ‘Kegger’ is a thinker who sees the game at a high level. He’s grown into a two-way player in Erie, where they stress the defensive side of the game. McKegg is also diverse and can line up at all three forward positions, and does on a shift-to-shift basis with the Otters.
Upside: Top Six Scoring Forward
NHL Comparable? Brad Boyes
6.
Tyler Biggs, Right Wing,
U.S. National U-18 team, USDP,
22nd overall, 2011, 18 years old,
6’2, 209.
Biggs just like his name plays big. He is a bruising power forward with good hands (That he uses to deke and punch out people) and a good heavy shot. He has good leadership qualities and gives his all every shift and is willing to pay the price in both ends of the rink. His skating is good but could use improvement. He is a straight up scorer and lacks a lot of simple passing skill. Biggs needs to work on toning back his game to avoid taking bad penalties. He plays the PK and pretty much embodies the overused “Burke Type Player.” He does however need to show if he has more offensive upside in the NCAA or if he is destined to be a 3rd line grinder.
Upside: Top Six Power Forward OR Third Line Checking Forward
NHL Comparable: Ryan Callahan
7.
Jerry D’Amigo, Left Wing,
Kitchener Rangers/Toronto Marlies, OHL/AHL,
158th overall, 2009, 20 years old,
5’11, 206.
D’Amigo is a good mix of skill and determination. He is very fast and really excels on special teams (both PP and PK) where his speed can kill. He has an above average shot and solid passing skills. He is solidly built and fights hard along the boards. After an amazing WJC and rookie year at RPI D’Amigo went to the AHL and soon found himself on the 4th line and getting limited minutes, so he was shipped to Kitchener where his play was solid. Despite this apparent setback D’Amigo will be back with the Marlies and looking for a top-6 slot where he can use his offensive skills.
Upside: 2nd/3rd Line Forward
NHL Comparable: Lauri Korpikoski
8.
Josh Nicholls, Center/Wing
Saskatoon Blades, WHL,
182nd overall, 2010, 19 years old,
6’2, 176.
One of the fastest risers in the WHL, Nicholls is a very fast two-way center that plays the PK and is strong on the forecheck. He has a solid shot and good passing skills but his skating is his strength. He needs to get stronger in a big way and is still very lean. His skill set is very raw but lends itself to both a top-6 and bottom-6 role. He lacks a physical presence despite his size which leaves much to be desired when watching him.
Upside: 2nd/3rd Two-Way Center
NHL Comparable: Stephen Weiss
9.
Stuart Percy, Defenseman,
Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, OHL,
25th overall, 2010, 18 years old,
6’0, 185.
Percy is a smart two-way defender with good skating skills and solid positional play. He has high hockey IQ and thinks the game very well. He is a smooth skater can catch most opponents. He has great passing abilities and sees the ice well. Percy does not have a good shot too often relies on his passing on the PP; in the NHL this could lead to predictability. Percy isn’t very physical but does engage players and won’t back down (Dave Cameron hockey). His play in the Memorial Cup has given more hope that his offensive game is legitimate but time will tell.
Upside: 3-5 Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Paul Martin
10.
Ben Scrivens, Goaltender,
Toronto Marlies, AHL,
Undrafted FA from Cornell University, 24 years old,
6’2, 192.
A very positionally sound goalie Scrivens plays an extremely simple game and relies on his size and calmness to stop the pucks. Unlike many new goalies Scrivens plays a standup game and is quick to get up after making a save. He is not very athletic which has given some people concerns but he offsets that with the way he thinks the game and reads plays. He is rarely found out of position and won’t make too spectacular saves. He has excelled on every team he has been on but needs to play more games (Career high of 45 and that was in the AJHL) or risk becoming at best a backup.
Upside: 1B Goaltender
NHL Comparable: James Reimer
Honorable Mentions: Sondre Olden, Matt Frattin, Brad Ross
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